Former Shelter Chief Executive Polly Neate CBE has been nominated to become a Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords by the Independent House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Ms. Neate, who stepped down from her role in March this year, was a highly influential and vocal advocate for tenants’ rights, and a strong proponent for the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions—a key measure in the new Renters’ Rights Bill.

Key Facts on Ms. Neate’s Nomination:

• Role: Recommended as a non-party-political Crossbench Peer.
• Expertise: Described by the Commission as “an expert in social policy, specialising in housing, homelessness and violence against women and girls.”
• Accomplishments: At Shelter, she developed a long-term strategy focusing on increasing social housing investment and initiated a significant strategic litigation project to address discrimination against benefit recipients in the housing sector.
• Commitment: In her public statement, Ms. Neate confirmed her intention to “continue to strive for the causes I have believed in and championed throughout my career” in this new phase of public life.

What This Means for Landlords:

Ms. Neate’s appointment brings a figure with a proven track record of campaigning for increased tenant protection and against what she perceives as landlord-friendly policies directly into the House of Lords. Landlords should be aware that her voice will now be active in scrutinising and shaping future housing legislation at the highest level of Parliament.